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How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Plan your vacation in advance and look for a reputable tour operator. As there are many formal and informal companies in Cusco. You’ll find a variety of prices and services; the choice is yours, fellow traveler. Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu is a relatively straightforward journey, as there’s no direct road to Aguas Calientes. Depending on your budget and sense of adventure, you have three main routes. To choose from to enjoy this wonder of the world.

Here are the details of the access routes: How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

This is the most comfortable way and can be done as a long day trip or an overnight stay.

  • Step 1: Cusco to Ollantaytambo: Take a bus or “colectivo” (shared van). From Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station (about 1.5–2 hours).
  • Step 2: Train to Aguas Calientes: Board a PeruRail or Inca Rail train to Aguas Calientes. (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo). The ride takes about 1.5–2 hours.
  • Step 3: Bus to the Citadel: From Aguas Calientes, Take a 25-minute shuttle bus up the mountain to the Machu Picchu entrance.
    • Pro Tip: Some trains depart directly from Cusco (San Pedro or Wanchaq stations) or nearby Poroy, but these are less frequent and more expensive than the Ollantaytambo departure.

2. The Adventure Treks (Most Scenic) – How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

If you want to arrive like the Incas did, you can hike. These require booking months in advance.

  • Classic Inca Trail (4 Days): The world-famous trek that leads you directly through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
  • Salkantay Trek (5 Days): A more rugged, high-altitude alternative that passes through stunning glacial landscapes before reaching the ruins.
  • Short Inca Trail (2 Days): A great middle ground—you take the train to “KM 104”. And hike for one day to enter the site.

3. The “Hydroelectric” Route (Budget Option)

How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Perfect for backpackers, this route avoids expensive train tickets but takes about 7–9 hours.

  • The Drive: Take a minivan from Cusco to the Hidroeléctrica station (approx. 6 hours).
  • The Walk: From Hidroeléctrica, you walk along the train tracks for about 3 hours (10km), on flat ground to reach Aguas Calientes.
  • The Stay: You’ll typically spend the night in Aguas Calientes and visit the ruins the next morning.

Key Requirements for 2026

  • Book Entry Tickets Early: As of 2026, tickets are strictly divided into Circuits (1, 2, and 3). Circuit 2 is the “Classic” route for the best photos. You should book these at the official government site at least 2–3 months in advance.
  • Passport: You must have your physical passport to board the train and enter Machu Picchu.
  • The Bus Up: You can buy bus tickets in Aguas Calientes for about $24 USD round-trip. Or hike up the stairs for free (about 1.5 hours of steep climbing).

How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Would you like help comparing the different 2026 tours to see which offers the best views of the Inca city? Write to us at info@pachaexpeditions.com or directly on WhatsApp.+51 984387050 (Javier Mendoza)